From Library Journal
Greene's novella, or "entertainment," was written in 1950 as a sort of preliminary draft for a screenplay and was not actually intended to stand alone as a written work. The motion picture, stated Greene, is better than the story because it is the story in its finished state, and it is the film, starring Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles, that most people will remember. This audiobook, however, brings the story to life very effectively, with all its suspense, odd turns of plot, and intriguing characters placed in the powerful setting of post-World War II Vienna. Murder, racketeering, mystery, and subterfuge combine for a compelling tale that is simple, economical, concise, and very satisfying. Reader Martin Jarvis communicates the mood and pace with intensity and skill and good character differentiation. Chapter breaks and side ends are marked musically by, what else, the famous zither-performed theme song. The story, complete on two cassettes, will please patrons who prefer a shorter commitment. Recommended for all popular collections.?Harriet Edwards, East Meadow P.L., NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
While The Third Man is recognized by any film buff as one of Orson Welles's great roles--Greene's novella is less well known. It was written in anticipation of the film, with Graham going directly to the screenplay from this original story. In Martin Jarvis's hands, or voice, really, the death of Harry Lime in postwar Vienna takes on a vivid, sinister cloak. Setting the scene, Jarvis never misses an opportunity to accentuate Greene's elegant descriptions, making the nuances hard-edged and poetic at the same time. Jarvis excels at making each player distinct, but never lets any one overshadow the compelling drama of secrets, searches and shifting allegiances. Smooth and precise, Jarvis brings Greene's story alive in exquisite detail and with superb characterizations. R.F.W. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A Penguin Official Movie Tie-in Edition

Set in the ruins of post-war Vienna, Greene's riveting tale follows a hack writer's investigation into the mysterious death of his childhood friend. Directed by Carol Reed, and starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton, and Alida Valli, The Third Man was voted one of the 100 Best American Films of all time by the American Film Institute.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Greene's novella, or "entertainment," was written in 1950 as a sort of preliminary draft for a screenplay and was not actually intended to stand alone as a written work. The motion picture, stated Greene, is better than the story because it is the story in its finished state, and it is the film, starring Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles, that most people will remember. This audiobook, however, brings the story to life very effectively, with all its suspense, odd turns of plot, and intriguing characters placed in the powerful setting of post-World War II Vienna. Murder, racketeering, mystery, and subterfuge combine for a compelling tale that is simple, economical, concise, and very satisfying. Reader Martin Jarvis communicates the mood and pace with intensity and skill and good character differentiation. Chapter breaks and side ends are marked musically by, what else, the famous zither-performed theme song. The story, complete on two cassettes, will please patrons who prefer a shorter commitment. Recommended for all popular collections.--Harriet Edwards, East Meadow P.L., NY

AudioFile - Robin F. Whitten